The Shakespeare Theatre presents The Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol and Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher at the Lansburgh Theatre. This is “… the first Russian play to grace the Company’s stages.” And a fabulous production it is too.

This satire of “…corruption and self-deception” is written about at length at the STC Asides blog in Putting Russia On Stage: Gogol’s National Comedy. It is encouraged that you read about the history of the play and times of this play’s origins.

To begin is the direction by Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Michael Kahn. He has cast this show with many STC members and Affiliate Artists. This seasoned cast performs Mr. Kahn’s vision with enormous energy and aplomb. A true joy to listen, watch and laugh.

Costume Designer Murell Horton created costumes that will remind you of the animated home of Dr. Suess’s Whoville in “Horton Hears a Who.” They were brilliant in color and fantastic in aplomb, adding to the satirical play.

This stellar cast will give you the kind of performance we all have become accustomed to here at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, as in most Michael Kahn’s productions they do not disappoint. The comic genius of Derek Smith playing the role of Ivan Alexandreyevich Hlestakov carries the show along with the equally talented acting prowess of Rick Foucheux playing The Mayor, Anton Antonovich. Both are a pleasure to enjoy.

You will also love the enormous talents of Nancy Robinette in the role of Anna Andreyevna, The Mayor’s Wife. Claire Brownell was riveting in her hilarious portrayal of Marya Antonovna, The Mayor’s Daughter. Following in this cast are the usually expert comic talents of Floyd King playing The Postmaster, David Sabin as The Judge, Craig Wallace as The School Principle, Lawrence Redmond as The Hospital Director and Harry A. Winter with Hugh Nees portraying the twin like Dobchinsky & Bobchinsky respectively. Also the very funny Tom Story is The Doctor.

Far from the usual offerings at The Shakespeare Company, Mr. Kahn’s The Government Inspector has given us a very light-hearted and very comical outing. You will love this show.

Photo Gallery

Lawrence Redmond as the Hospital Director and Rick Foucheux as the Mayor

Hugh Nees as Bobchinsky and Harry A. Winter as Dobchinsky

Liam Craig as Osip and Derek Smith as Hlestakov

The cast

Photos by Scott Suchman

Cast

Pentelaeyev/Imperial Messenger: Travis Blumer

Marya: Claire Brownell

Osip: Liam Craig

Mayor: Rick Foucheux

Postmaster: Floyd King

Grusha/Innkeeper’s Wife/Corporal’s Widow: Sarah Marshall

Bobchinsky: Hugh Nees

Hospital Director/Chernyaeyev: Lawrence Redmond

Anna: Nancy Robinette

Judge: David Sabin

Hlestakov: Derek Smith

Doctor: Tom Story

School Principal/Abdullin: Craig Wallace

Dobchinsky: Harry A. Winter

Direction and Design

Adapter: Jeffrey Hatcher

Director: Michael Kahn

Set Designer: James Noone

Costume Designer: Murell Horton

Lighting Designer: Philip S. Rosenberg

Composer: Adam Wernick

Sound Designer: Veronika Vorel

Casting: Binder Casting; Jay Binder, CSA/Jack Bowdan, CSA

Resident Casting Director: Daniel Neville-Rehbehn

Voice and Text Coach: Ellen O’Brien

Literary Associate: Drew Lichtenberg

Associate Director: Gus Heagerty

Wig Designer: Anne Nesmith

Production Stage Manager: Joseph Smelser

Stage Manager: Claire E. Zawa

Assistant Stage Manager: Elizabeth Clewley

Disclaimer: Shakespeare Theater Company provided two complimentary media tickets to ShowBizRadio for this review.